Journal of Wrist Surgery, Table of Contents

J Wrist Surg 2017; 06(02): 088-096
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1601367

Special Review: Biomechanics of DRUJ Instability

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A Biomechanical Perspective on Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

Shohei Omokawa

¹Department of Hand Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

,

Akio Iida

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

,

Kenji Kawamura

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

,

Yasuaki Nakanishi

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

,

Takamasa Shimizu

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

,

Tsutomu Kira

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

,

Tadanobu Onishi

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

,

Naoki Hayami

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

,

Yasuhito Tanaka

²Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Background The purpose of this article was to review the anatomy, kinematics of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), and to discuss definition, classification, and diagnosis of DRUJ instability.

Methods A biomechanical perspective on physical examination of DRUJ ballottement test was documented. Physiological dynamic DRUJ translation and differences of the translation following sequential ligament sectioning and changes in different forearm and wrist positions were demonstrated. The clinical significance of each ligament's contribution to joint stability in specific wrist positions was addressed.

Conclusion Each ligament stabilizing the DRUJ contributed to joint stability depending on the direction (palmer or dorsal) and different positions of the wrist and forearm. DRUJ ballottement test in each wrist and forearm position may detect tears of specific ligament stabilizing the DRUJ.

Keywords

Keywords

DRUJ - TFCC - biomechanics - anatomy - function

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